GMAT Online Whiteboard

GMAT Whiteboard Features

Tool	Details
	Pencil. Use this to write and draw freehand. You can adjust the thickness of the line by clicking on the series of dots, which range from least to greatest thickness (left to right).
	Eraser. Use this to manually erase anything on your whiteboard. You can adjust the size of the eraser using the same series of dots at the top, ranging from smallest to biggest size (left to right).
	Line. Use this to draw straight lines, including dashed lines and arrows (see first 2 options on top left). Click the point where you want the line to start, hold and drag to desired length, and click again to finish the line. You can adjust the thickness of the line by clicking on the same dots used to adjust the pencil and eraser size.
	Rectangle. Create squares or rectangles with this tool. Click where you want to start your rectangle, then drag and pull until you get the shape you want. You can pre-set the stroke (outline color) and fill (inner color) by clicking the colored boxes on the left and selecting a color.
	Ellipse. Use this to create circles or ellipses, using the same click and drag motion as the Rectangle tool. These are great for geometry questions and Venn diagrams.
	Text. Select this tool and click anywhere on the whiteboard to start a text box. This is great for adding notes or for typing out equations that involve basic letters and numbers. When practicing, take note of whether the Text tool or Pencil (Pen) tool is faster for you and try to stick with one or the other to save time.
	Polygon. This tool is made for creating more complex shapes outside of rectangles and circles. Rather than dragging and pulling, just click where you want to set the points of your polygon. Close off the shape by clicking the original point where you started. Seems too complicated? The Pencil tool is much easier to use.
	Pan. Use this to move left-right or up-down on your whiteboard. Just click and drag the board in the direction you want. You can also use this tool to move objects around by clicking and dragging them.
	Eyedropper. Unless you’re a Photoshop whiz, don’t need to worry about this tool (and even if you are, this tool isn’t really necessary). Eyedropper allows you to set the stroke or fill color using the color of another shape or the background of your whiteboard.
	Stroke. This adjusts the outline color of your shape before you draw it. Ideally, you set your stroke and fill color at the start and stick with using those colors to save time.
	Fill. This adjusts the fill (inner) color of your shape before you draw it. Set up at the start or just use the default black stroke/white fill.
	Background (bg). You can change the background color of your whiteboard by clicking this tool and sliding the top (alpha) bar to the right. The bottom (saturation) bar will take the color from pastel (left) to very bright (right), but we recommend you ignore this bar altogether. The default background is a light gray that allows the default black & white shapes to show up.
	Undo/Redo. Use the undo (pointing left) or redo (pointing right) arrows to do exactly that. Undo will remove the last mark or letter you typed, redo will add it back.
	Zoom out/Zoom in. The zoom function helps you utilize the vast space that makes up your whiteboard. Zoom in or out to your desired level, then use Pan to move the board directionally.

How to Use the GMAT Online Whiteboard

Method #1: Make a Work Grid

1. Zoom out and draw a large grid, leaving enough space in each square to work out one problem.
2. Once you’re ready to start, zoom in to the first square and work out the first problem
3. When you’re done, use the pan tool to drag the whiteboard to the next square and work out the second problem there.

Method #2: Clear the Board After Each Use

• GMAT expert tip!

1. Rather than spend time using the Zoom and Pan tools, you can simply use the same area of your GMAT online whiteboard.
2. Use the Clear tool to clear your whiteboard after each problem.
3. The main setback is that you won’t be able to go back and check your work on a previous problem.

GMAT Whiteboard: General Tips and Tricks

• Practice makes perfect: Practice for at least 2 weeks with our GMAT online whiteboard tool. You don’t want this feature to hinder you when it comes to test day.
• Set up everything at the start: Set your desired stroke, fill, and board background colors at the beginning and leave it alone after that. If you can work with black and white, these are the default colors and will save you time from selecting other colors.
• Focus on the essentials: We recommend doing most of your work with pen, undo, and clear (if necessary). By familiarizing yourself with the GMAT online whiteboard tools, you’ll be able to work faster and more efficiently.
• Type if it’s faster: Find that writing with your mouse is awkward? Use the text function to type instead and save mouse-writing for anything that’s hard to type out. Unfortunately, the GMAT online whiteboard does not support the use of a stylus or digital writing pad.
• Use a large screen: Use the biggest screen you have (more screen space=less time zooming in/out and panning for method #1 and more work space for method #2).
• Use the right pointer speed: Set your mouse pointer speed to 25%. This will help with controlling mouse movements as you draw objects.
• Know your properties: Make sure you can recognize and apply your GMAT math properties, rather than trying numbers to get an answer.
• Save time by writing what you need: You don’t have to write every step down. Practice doing mini steps in your head in between writing (or mousing) down the big steps.

Rules and restrictions to be aware of

• Dual monitors are not allowed. You will need to use a single screen.
• You won't be able to use writing tablets, styluses, or your finger on a touchscreen.
• See the official announcement to make sure you are aware of exactly what is and isn't allowed.